An 11-year-old boy, the same age as Willy Wonka star character Charlie Bucket, has found the final Valley Vonka golden ticket.
Like Bucket, whose grandfather gave him the money to buy the chocolate bar, a fond family member was the source behind Cidia Abas’ win. His dad bought the chocolate bar while he was at Canadian Tire, and gave the winning ticket to his son. His dad’s name is Willy.
“I didn’t even know there could be a prize in the chocolate,” said Willy, who was buying a basketball hoop at the sporting good store for his three boys.
The cashier at Canadian Tire simply asked Willy if he wanted to buy a chocolate bar, with all proceeds supporting JumpStart, and Willy thought it was a great cause to support.
Now, the Albas family will join the four other lucky golden ticket holders at a special event Wednesday, May 17 at the Vernon Towne Theatre. The event is presented by the Valley Vonka and the Hot Chocolate Factory contest creator, The Morning Star.
Each of the ticket holders (Mike Manka, Liz Dandeneault, Wes Kendall and J.P Sheedy) will see which prize their golden ticket is for as Vonka, aka publisher Keith Currie, presents the winnings.
WATCH: Vernon child uncovers third golden Valley Vonka ticket
Doors to the theatre open at 6:15 p.m. with the presentation taking place promptly, followed by movie night featuring Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, the original 1971 Hollywood film.
The presentation will also see two winners chosen from the colouring contest, who will win chocolate for a year from Cotton’s Chocolates (which made the 2,500 chocolate bars sold around town).
JumpStart will also be presented with a cheque for all the funds raised through the sale of the chocolate bars.
The golden ticket holders will find out which prize they win:
1. An outdoor patio set from Canadian Tire (value of $1,300);
2. Gift cards from Tim Hortons worth $1,200;
3. One year family pass to any recreation center from the City of Vernon (value of $1,500);
4. Spallumcheen Golf and Country Club golf passes (value of $1,500);
5. Vernon Towne Theatre movie package (value of $1,500).
The Towne Theatre’s prize package will include a framed movie poster (value of $200), Towne Theatre membership, which gets you reduced prices for any show (value of $50), 12 Night at the Towne vouchers which consist of two admissions, one large popcorn, two medium drinks and a large candy (value of $35). There will also be restaurant vouchers worth $800, to a large choice of local spots.
The Albas family, particularly wife/mom Mariten Virgo, really wants the patio set for their new patio.
The evening, and movie showing, is open to the public. For tickets visit thetowne.ca.
READ MORE: Valley Vonka and the search for a golden ticket
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